Type 2 Diabetes Decompensation as the Clinical Presentation of Thyroid Storm — Cause or Consequence?

Abstract

This case study aims to discuss the unusual forms of hyperthyroidism presentation, the nonspecific symptoms and precipitating events. A 70-year-old male was taken to the emergency department for hyperglycaemia, nausea, vomiting and altered mental status with a week of evolution. He had a past medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. He had no history of any recent intercurrent illness or infection. At the emergency room, besides hyperglycaemia, ketonemia and slightly elevated C-reactive protein, the basic laboratory panel workup was normal, as was the head computed tomography. He was admitted for metabolic compensation and to study the altered neurological status. During hospitalisation, despite the good glycemic control, he had no improvements in neurological status. At day four of hospitalisation, thyrotoxicosis with thyroid storm criteria was diagnosed. He started on adequate treatment with complete clinical recovery. The associated morbidity and mortality of thyroid storm requires immediate recognition and treatment. Elderly patients are frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed later due to fewer and less pronounced signs and symptoms.